Allergen note
Tomato is not a common allergen, but its acidity often causes a mild red rash around the mouth or in the diaper area that usually fades on its own. True tomato allergy is uncommon and more likely in children with pollen allergies; watch for hives, swelling or vomiting.
How to serve
From around 6 months, stir a teaspoon or two of plain puree into mashed vegetables, lentils, rice or pasta. Toddlers can have a few tablespoons as a pasta or pizza sauce. If yours is the thick, concentrated kind, use just a little and thin it with water.
Preparation
Choose puree with no added salt or sugar, or make your own by simmering chopped tomatoes until soft and pressing them through a sieve to remove skins and seeds. Refrigerate opened puree and use it within a few days, or freeze portions in an ice-cube tray.
Texture and choking risk
Smooth tomato puree is easy to swallow and a low choking risk on its own, but check homemade versions for bits of skin. Pay more attention to what you mix it with, such as pasta or meat, and keep those soft and age-appropriate. Always supervise meals.
Starting ages are typical guidance for healthy, full-term babies who show signs of readiness. Your paediatrician may advise differently, especially where there is a family history of allergy.
Recipes with tomato puree
Track first tastes and reactions
Log when your child first tries tomato puree, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
More Vegetables
🥬 Sun-dried tomatoes
Tomatoes are not a common allergen, but some sun-dried tomatoes are treated with sulfites, which can trigger…
🥬 Sweet potato
Sweet potato is rarely an allergen and is a popular first food from around 6 months. Offer it plain the first…
🥬 Swiss chard
Allergic reactions to Swiss chard are uncommon, and it can be offered well cooked from around 6 months. For…
🥬 Tomatoes
Tomato allergy is uncommon in young children. When tomatoes join the menu from 12 months, expect some redness…
🥬 Turnip
Turnip allergy is rare, so it makes a good early vegetable from around 6 months. It belongs to the cabbage and…
🥬 Watercress
Watercress allergy is rare. It belongs to the mustard and cabbage family, so ask your pediatrician first if…